Device For Organizing Objects

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a novel device for organizing objects containing at least one aperture there through and an accompanying efficient method for storing the objects using the device. In one of its embodiments, this invention comprises an elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first end, and a retention member integral with or attached to the second end. Furthermore, the retention member is sized and configured so that the retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which the retention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the last one of the objects.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices for organizing a plurality of objects,the objects defining at least one aperture there through, and relatedmethods for storing objects.

BACKGROUND

Conventional approaches to organizing objects have varied greatly in thepast depending on the type and size of the objects and the purpose fororganizing the objects. Popular solutions to the organization of objectsinclude the placement of objects in bins or other like compartmentswithin a partially enclosed structure. However, particular problems mayarise if the objects are of certain dimensions, need to be inspected orcounted quickly, or transported on short notice. Additionally, theorganized objects may not be easily accessible and may requiresubstantial time to access particular objects when they are storedamongst a plurality of different objects. This is especially true forobjects which, by their nature, share common characteristics but come ina wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the many examples of suchobjects are hardware fittings, pipe fittings, sockets, gaskets, o-rings,washers, nuts, seals, bushings, tape rolls, wrenches and the like.

Thus, a need exists for a low cost device for organizing objects toallow a person to easily and efficiently inspect and, if necessary,access the organized objects. Furthermore, a need also exists for adevice for organizing objects which is easily transportable in case theobjects needed to be moved from one location to another, while retainingthe capacity to be used for storage in a primary location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses these needs by providing, in oneembodiment, a device for organizing a plurality of objects, the objectscontaining at least one aperture there through. The device allows one toeasily and efficiently inspect and access the organized objects.Additionally, certain embodiments this invention enable a user totransport the organized objects effectively from one location to anotherand may also enable a user to store the objects in a primary location.

Specifically, in one of its embodiments, this invention comprises anelongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a supportmember integral with or attached to the first end, and a retentionmember integral with or attached to the second end. The retention memberis sized and configured so that the retention member may be threadedthrough the aperture of each of the objects in a manner in which atleast a portion of the elongated strand also is threaded through theaperture of each of the objects and thereafter at least one dimension ofthe retention member is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largestdiameter of the aperture formed by a last one of the objects throughwhich the retention member is threaded that the retention member isinhibited from threading back through the aperture formed by the lastone of the objects.

In another embodiment, this invention comprises a plurality of elongatedstrands, each elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end,a support member integral with or attached to the first ends of theplurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement, and for each ofthe strands, a retention member integral with or attached to the secondend. The retention member is sized and configured so that the retentionmember may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in amanner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also isthreaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter atleast one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnituderelative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one ofthe objects through which the retention member is threaded that theretention member is inhibited from threading back through the apertureformed by the last one of the objects.

Another embodiment of this invention is a method for organizing objects,each of the objects forming at least aperture there through, the methodcomprises providing a device comprising an elongated strand comprising afirst end and a second end, a support member integral with or attachedto the first end respectively, and a retention member integral with orattached to the second end respectively; inserting the retention memberand at least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least oneaperture of each of the objects; and disposing the retention member sothat at least one dimension of the retention member is greater than thelargest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object tothereby retain a plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.

Still further, in an alternate embodiment, this invention is a methodfor organizing objects, each of the objects forming at least aperturethere through, the method comprises providing a device comprising aplurality of elongated strands, each elongated strand comprising a firstend and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to thefirst ends of the plurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement,and a plurality of retention members, each integral with or attached toa respective second end of one of the plurality of elongated strands;inserting at least one of the retention members and at least a portionof the elongated strand through the at least one aperture of each of theobjects; and disposing the at least one of the retention members so thatat least one dimension of the retention member is greater than thelargest diameter of the at least one aperture of a last object tothereby retain a plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.

The above and other embodiments will be apparent from the ensuingdescription and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the retention member of an alternativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the retention member of another alternateembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

Like reference numbers or letters are used in the figures to referencelike parts or components amongst the several figures.

FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, this invention comprises a device for organizingobjects containing at least one aperture there through. FIG. 1 shows theinvention generally comprising an elongated strand 10, a support member12, and a retention member 14. Elongated strand 10 comprises a first end16 and a second end 18. Support member 12 is either integral with orattached to first end 16. Retention member 14 is either integral with orattached to second end 18. Retention member 14 is sized and configuredso that retention member 14 may be threaded through the aperture 20 ofeach of objects 22 in a manner in which at least a portion of elongatedstrand 10 also is threaded through aperture 20 of each of objects 22 andthereafter at least one dimension (shown by line A-A) of retentionmember 14 is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter(shown by line B-B) of aperture 20 formed by a last one of objects 22through which retention member 14 is threaded that retention member 14is inhibited from threading back through aperture 20 formed by the lastone of the objects 22.

The elongated strand can be of any length desired with considerationgiven to, among other factors, the quantity of objects to be organized,the size of the objects, and the total weight of the objects. Thediameter of the elongated strand may also vary and is dependent onsimilar factors as the length of the elongated string. Althoughelongated strand 10 in FIG. 1 is a rope, the material of the elongatedstrand may vary and should be chosen based on the object organized. Thestrength of the material should be sufficient to support the objects andthe retention member. Suitable materials for the elongated strandinclude rope, nylon, and metal wire, as well as a wide variety ofmaterials which may be chosen with consideration to the objectsorganized, the retention member and support member used, the manner offormation, and its intended use.

First end 16 of elongated strand 10 is integral with or attached tosupport member 12 as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, first end 16 ofelongated strand 10 is integral with support member 12. Support member12 is inserted through first end 16 of strand 10 in such a manner as tobecome integral with strand 10. Although first end 16 is integral withsupport member 12 in FIG. 1, first end 16 may be attached to supportmember 12 in a variety of ways, including taping, gluing, tying, or anylike attachment means to produce a firm joint-like attachment 24 offirst end 16 and support member 12. The term “attaching” may also beconstrued to include such means as inserting the first end of theelongated strand through the support member and thereafter tying thefirst end in a knot-like form to restrict the elongated strand fromseparating from the support member. Attachment 24 of first end 16 andsupport member 12 is such that elongated strand 10 is free to pivotabout joint-like attachment 24 in any direction with the only constraintoccurring from support member 12. Second end 18 of elongated strand 10is integral with or attached to retention member 14. In FIG. 1,retention member 14 is inserted through second end 18 of elongatedstrand 10. Although second end 18 is integral with retention member 14in FIG. 1, and as such, is attached in the same manner as first end 16,the second end may be attached in a different manner. The manners ofattachment available to the second end are the same as the attachmentslisted above with respect to the first end. The term “attaching” withrespect to the second end and the retention member may be construed inthe same manner as defined above with respect to the support member. Theability of the second end to form a joint-like attachment to theretention member is an essential aspect of this invention.

The support member 12 as shown in FIG. 1 is integral with or attached tofirst end 16 of elongated strand 10. The support member may be made froma variety of objects. An important factor in choosing the materialconstituting the support member is the strength of the material withrespect to the amount of weight the support member will be supporting.Suitable materials for the support member include plastic, metal, orwood. Such a list of materials is nonlimiting as the support member maybe made from any material that is of sufficient strength to support theweight of the elongated strand, retention member, and the objectsorganized. As shown in FIG. 1, support member 12 is a cylindrical rod.The structure of the support member may vary and may include tubes,cylinders, pipes, or like structures. The support member may alsocomprise a structure suitable for transporting this invention from onelocation to another. Such a suitable structure may include a curvedsurface suitable for gripping the support member.

As shown in FIG. 1, retention member 14 is integral with or attached tosecond end 18 of elongated strand 10. The retention member is sized andconfigured so that the retention member may be threaded through theaperture of each of the objects in a manner in which at least a portionof the elongated strand also is threaded through the aperture of each ofthe objects and thereafter at least one dimension of the retentionmember is of a sufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter ofthe aperture formed by a last one of the objects through which theretention member is threaded that the retention member is inhibited fromthreading back through the aperture formed by the last one of theobjects. In FIG. 1, retention member 14 is a tube with a first arm 26and a second arm 28. Although retention member 14 is a tube in FIG. 1,the structure of the retention member may vary given consideration tothe objects organized and its intended use.

In alternate embodiments of FIG. 2 and 3, retention member 14 ischaracterized by having at least one narrow form having a maximum widthdimension (shown by line C-C) and at least one extended form having amaximum width dimension (shown by line D-D) which is greater than themaximum width dimension C-C of the narrow form, retention member 14being sized and configured so that retention member 14 in a form withnarrow width C-C may be threaded through at least one aperture 20 in amanner in which at least a portion of elongated strand 10 is threadedthrough at least one aperture 20 and retention member 14 in a form withextended width D-D thereafter extends beyond largest diameter B-B of atleast one aperture 20 formed by a last object 22 through which retentionmember 14 was threaded. In FIG. 2, retention member 14 comprises a stembase end 32 and a dome-shaped end 34. The dome-shaped end is preferablymade from a temporarily compressible material. The stem base end anddome-shaped end are preferably a one-piece component. The narrow formcomprises the dome-shaped end having pressure applied to its surface insuch a manner as to minimize the surface area of the dome-shaped end toallow for easier passage of the retention member and at least a portionof the elongated strand through the at least one aperture. The extendedform comprises the dome-shaped end having no external forces applied toits surface beyond normal atmospheric conditions.

In FIG. 3, retention member 14 comprises a central member 36 attached toa first collapsible arm 38 and a second collapsible arm 40. The centralmember and the first collapsible arm are preferably attached by hingedmeans, but may be attached by other like means. The central member andthe second collapsible arm are attached in the same manner as thecentral member and first collapsible arm. The form of retention member14 having narrow width C-C in FIG. 3 comprises first collapsible arm 38and second collapsible arm 40 rotating inward from an applied externalforce towards central member 36 about a pivot position 42 created by thehinged means or other like means in such a manner as to allow for easierpassage of retention member 14 and at least a portion of elongatedstrand 10 through at least one aperture 20. The extended form ofretention member 14 having extended width D-D in FIG. 3 comprises firstcollapsible arm 38 and second collapsible arm 40 expanded to the normalquiescent shape with no external forces applied to their surfaces beyondthose of normal atmospheric conditions.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6, this invention comprises asupport member, wherein the support member is a retention member 14. Inthis embodiment, each retention member is sized and configured so thateach retention member may be threaded through the aperture of each ofthe objects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongatedstrand also is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects andthereafter at least one dimension of each retention member is of asufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the apertureformed by a last one of the objects through which each retention memberis threaded that each retention member is inhibited from threading backthrough the aperture formed by the last one of the objects. It should beappreciated that the retention members may be of the same type or may bedifferent. As shown in FIG. 6, each retention member 14 retains objects22; however, it should be appreciated that at least one retention member14 may function as a support member. Elongated strand 10 is folded at apivot point 56 as shown in FIG. 6 to facilitate storage or transport. Itshould be appreciated that the elongated strand of this embodiment maybe kept taut or folded at any angle desired.

The method for organizing objects, each of the objects forming at leastone aperture there through, comprises providing a device comprising anelongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a supportmember integral with or attached to the first end respectively, and aretention member integral with or attached to the second endrespectively. The retention member and at least a portion of theelongated strand is inserted through the at least one aperture of eachof the objects. The retention member is then disposed so that at leastone dimension of the retention member is greater than the largestdiameter of the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retaina plurality of the objects on the elongated strand.

In the alternate embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, retention member 14 in aform with narrowed width C-C is threaded through at least one aperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion of elongated strand 10 isthreaded through at least one aperture 20. Retention member 14 is thendisposed so that the extended form of retention member 14 with width D-Dthereafter extends beyond largest diameter B-B of aperture 20 formed bya last object 22 through which retention member 14 was threaded tothereby retain a plurality of the objects 22 on elongated strand 10.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 4, this invention comprises aplurality of elongated strands 44, each elongated strand 10 comprisingfirst end 16 and second end 18, support member 12 integral with orattached to first ends 16 of plurality of elongated strands 44 in afixed arrangement 46, and for each of the strands 10, retention member14 is integral with or attached to second end 18. In FIG. 4, pluralityof elongated strands 44 comprises five elongated strands 10. However,the plurality of elongated strands may comprise a different number ofelongated strands limited only by the support member. The elongatedstring can be of any length desired with consideration given, amongother factors, to the quantity of objects to be organized, the size ofthe objects, and the total weight of the objects. The diameter of theelongated string may also vary and is dependent on similar factors asthe length of the elongated string. Although the material of theelongated strands 10 is rope in FIG. 4, the material of the elongatedstrands may vary and should be chosen based on the object organized. Thestrength of the material should be sufficient to support the objects andthe retention member. Suitable materials for the elongated strandinclude rope, nylon, and metal wire, as well as a wide variety ofmaterials which may be chosen with consideration to the objectsorganized, the retention member and support member used, the manner offormation, and its intended use.

First end 16 of each elongated strand 10 is integral with or attached tosupport member 12 as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, first end 16 of eachelongated strand 10 is attached by means of inserting first end 16through an opening 48 in support member 12 and tying first end 16 in aknot 50. Although this is the preferred attachment means in FIG. 4, thefirst end may be attached in a variety of manners including taping,gluing, tying, or any like attachment means to produce a firm joint-likeattachment of the first end and the support member. The first end mayalso be inserted through an opening into the support member and thaninserted back through a different opening in the support member as anattachment means whereby a portion of the elongated strand remains inthe support member. The attachment of the first end and the supportmember is such that each elongated strand is free to pivot about thejoint-like attachment in any direction with the only constraintoccurring from the support member. In FIG. 4, each elongated strand 10is integral with or attached to support member 12 in fixed arrangement46. Fixed arrangement 46 comprises five substantially similar spacedopenings 48 in which first ends 16 of elongated strands 10 are inserted.However, the fixed arrangement may vary depending on the spacing of theopenings and the objects organized and intended use. The second end ofeach elongated strand is integral with or attached to the retentionmember. In FIG. 4, second end 18 is attached by means of insertingsecond end 18 through an orifice 52 in retention member 14 and tyingsecond end 18 in knot 50. Although this is the method of attachment inFIG. 4, and is the same manner of attachment as the first end, thesecond end may be attached in a different manner. The manners ofattachment available to the second end are the same as the attachmentslisted above with respect to the first end. The ability of the secondend to form a joint-like attachment to the retention member is anessential aspect of this invention.

The support member 12 as shown in FIG. 4 is integral with or attached tothe first end 16 of each elongated strand 10. The support member may bemade from a variety of objects. An important factor in choosing thematerial constituting the support member is the strength of the materialwith respect to the amount of weight the support member will besupporting. Suitable materials for the support member include plastic,metal, or wood. Such a list of materials is nonlimiting as the supportmember may be made from any material that is of sufficient strength tosupport the weight of the elongated strand, retention member, and theobjects organized. As shown in FIG. 2, support member 12 is acylindrical pipe. The structure of the support member may vary and mayinclude tubes, cylinders, pipes, or like structures. The support membermay also contain a structure suitable for transporting this inventionfrom one location to another. Such a suitable structure may include acurved surface suitable for gripping the support member.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5, this invention furthercomprises support member 12, wherein support member 12 is anintertwinement 54 of first ends 16. Intertwinement 54 in FIG. 5 is shownto be a knot formed by a tying means but may be formed by other likemeans such as splicing.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, retention member 14 is integral with orattached to respective second end 18 of one of plurality of elongatedstrands 44. The retention member is sized and configured so that theretention member may be threaded through the aperture of each of theobjects in a manner in which at least a portion of the elongated strandalso is threaded through the aperture of each of the objects andthereafter at least one dimension of the retention member is of asufficient magnitude relative to a largest diameter of the apertureformed by a last one of the objects through which the retention memberis threaded that the retention member is inhibited from threading backthrough the aperture formed by the last one of the objects. In FIGS. 4and 5, retention member 14 is a tube with first arm 24 and second arm26. Although retention member 14 is a tube in FIG. 1, the structure ofthe retention member may vary given consideration to the objectsorganized and its intended use.

The retention member in FIGS. 4 and 5 may comprise the alternateembodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIGS. 2 and 3, retention member 14 ischaracterized by having at least one narrow form with narrow width C-Cand at least one extended form with extended width D-D, retention member14 being sized and configured so that retention member 14 in narrowedform may be threaded through at least one aperture 20 in a manner inwhich at least a portion of elongated strand 10 is threaded through atleast one aperture 20 and retention member 14 in extended formthereafter has an extended width D-D which extends beyond largestdiameter B-B of at least one aperture 20 formed by a last object throughwhich retention member 14 was threaded. In FIG. 2, retention member 14comprises stem base end 32 and dome-shaped end 34. The dome-shaped endis preferably made from a temporarily compressible material. The stembase end and dome-shaped end are preferably a one-piece component. Thenarrow form comprises the dome-shaped end having pressure applied to itssurface in such a manner as to minimize the surface area of thedome-shaped end to allow for easier passage of the retention member andat least a portion of the elongated strand through the at least oneaperture. The extended form comprises the dome-shaped end having noexternal forces applied to its surface beyond atmospheric conditions.

In FIG. 3, retention member 14 comprises central member 36 attached tofirst collapsible arm 38 and second collapsible arm 40. The centralmember and the first collapsible arm are preferably attached by hingedmeans, but may be attached by other like means. The central member andthe second collapsible arm are attached in the same manner as thecentral member and first collapsible arm. Narrow form retention member14 with width C-C in FIG. 3 comprises first collapsible arm 38 andsecond collapsible arm 40 rotating inward from an applied external forcetowards central member 36 about pivot position 42 created by the hingedmeans or other like means in such a manner as to allow for easierpassage of retention member 14 and at least a portion of elongatedstrand 10 through at least one aperture 20. Extended form of retentionmember 14 with extended width D-D in FIG. 3 comprises first collapsiblearm 38 and second collapsible arm 40 having no external forces appliedto its surface beyond normal atmospheric conditions.

In an alternate embodiment, this invention comprises a method fororganizing objects, each of the objects forming at least one aperturethrough, comprises providing a device comprising a plurality ofelongated strands, each elongated strand comprising a first end and asecond end, a support member integral with or attached to the first endsof the plurality of elongated strands in a fixed arrangement, and aplurality of retention members, each integral with or attached to arespective second end of one of the plurality of elongated strands. Atleast one of the retention members and at least a portion of at leastone of the elongated strands is inserted through the at least oneaperture of at least one of the objects. The retention member is thendisposed so that at least one dimension of the retention member isgreater than the largest diameter of the at least one aperture of a lastobject to thereby retain a plurality of the objects on the at least oneof the elongated strands.

In the alternate embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, retention member 14 innarrowed form with width C-C is threaded through at least one aperture20 in a manner in which at least a portion of elongated strand 10 isthreaded through at least one aperture 20. Retention member 14 is thendisposed so that the extended form with width D-D thereafter extendsbeyond largest diameter B-B of aperture 20 formed by a last object 22through which retention member 14 was threaded to thereby retain aplurality of the objects 22 on elongated strand 10.

Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an”if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not beconstrued as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element towhich the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as usedherein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the textexpressly indicates otherwise.

While it is apparent that the invention herein disclosed fulfills theobjects previously described, it will be appreciated that numerousmodifications and embodiments of this invention will be evident or maybe devised by those skilled in the art, and it is intended that theappended claims cover all such modifications, embodiments, and allequivalents thereof, as fall within the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

1. A device for organizing or storing a plurality of objects, eachobject forming at least one aperture there through, the devicecomprising: (a) an elongated strand comprising a first end and a secondend; (b) a support member integral with or attached to the first end;and (c) a retention member integral with or attached to the second end,the retention member being sized and configured so that the retentionmember may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in amanner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also isthreaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter atleast one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnituderelative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one ofthe objects through which the retention member is threaded that theretention member is inhibited from threading back through the apertureformed by the last one of the objects.
 2. A device for organizingobjects according to claim 1, wherein the retention member ischaracterized at least by having at least one narrow form and at leastone extended form, the retention member being sized and configured sothat the retention member in the narrowed form may be threaded throughthe at least one aperture in a manner in which at least a portion of theelongated strand is threaded through the at least one aperture and theretention member in the extended form thereafter extends beyond thelargest diameter of the at least one aperture formed by the last objectthrough which the retention member was threaded.
 3. A device fororganizing objects according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support memberis a retention member.
 4. A device for organizing objects according toclaim 1 or 2 wherein the elongated strand is a rope.
 5. A device fororganizing objects according to claim 4, wherein the retention member isa tube.
 6. A device for organizing objects according to claim 5, whereinthe support member is a cylindrical rod.
 7. A device for organizingobjects, the objects each forming at least one aperture there through,the device comprising: (a) a plurality of elongated strands, eachelongated strand comprising a first end and a second end; (b) a supportmember integral with or attached to the first ends of the plurality ofelongated strands in a fixed arrangement; and (c) for each of thestrands, a retention member integral with or attached to the second end,the retention member being sized and configured so that the retentionmember may be threaded through the aperture of each of the objects in amanner in which at least a portion of the elongated strand also isthreaded through the aperture of each of the objects and thereafter atleast one dimension of the retention member is of a sufficient magnituderelative to a largest diameter of the aperture formed by a last one ofthe objects through which the retention member is threaded that theretention member is inhibited from threading back through the apertureformed by the last one of the objects.
 8. A device for organizingobjects according to claim 7, wherein the retention member ischaracterized at least by having at least one narrow form and at leastone extended form, the retention member being sized and configured sothat the retention member in the narrow form may be threaded through theat least one aperture in a manner in which at least a portion of theelongated strand is threaded through the at least one aperture and atleast one dimension of the retention member in the extended formthereafter is greater than the largest diameter of the at least oneaperture formed by a last object through which the retention member wasthreaded.
 9. A device for organizing objects according to claim 7 or 8,wherein each of the plurality of elongated strands is rope.
 10. A devicefor organizing objects according to claim 9, wherein the retentionmember is a tube.
 11. A device for organizing objects according to claim10, wherein the support member is a cylindrical pipe.
 12. A device fororganizing objects according to claim 10, wherein the support member isan intertwinement of the first ends.
 13. A method for organizingobjects, each of the objects forming at least one aperture therethrough, the method comprising: providing a device comprising: (a) anelongated strand comprising a first end and a second end; (b) a supportmember integral with or attached to the first end respectively; and (c)a retention member integral with or attached to the second endrespectively; inserting the retention member and at least a portion ofthe elongated strand through the at least one aperture of each of theobjects; and disposing the retention member so that at least onedimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameterof the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain aplurality of the objects on the elongated strand.
 14. A method fororganizing objects, each of the objects forming at least one aperturethere through, the method comprising: providing a device comprising: (a)a plurality of elongated strands, each elongated strand comprising afirst end and a second end; (b) a support member integral with orattached to the first ends of the plurality of elongated strands in afixed arrangement; and (c) a plurality of retention members, eachintegral with or attached to a respective second end of one of theplurality of elongated strands; inserting at least one of the retentionmembers and at least a portion of at least one of the elongated strandsthrough the at least one aperture of at least one of the objects; anddisposing the at least one of the retention members so that at least onedimension of the retention member is greater than the largest diameterof the at least one aperture of a last object to thereby retain aplurality of the objects on the at least one of the elongated strands.